The Jets Hit Rock Bottom (Again)

There was so much Team Fiasco talk about the Jets' first three games that a large part of it couldn't help but feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy: Everyone had considered the Jets such a looming disaster that we were all determined to make them one, even if they happened to go 2-1 in those three games. Well, yesterday, the Jets lost at home 34–0 and suffered a serious injury to their (essentially) lone offensive weapon. No one would dare debate it this morning: The Jets are the shitshow that everyone feared and wanted them to be. And it very possibly might get worse.

The loss yesterday — in which the Jets were completely shut down on offense and proved incapable of stopping the run on defense, particularly ominous considering how rough their pass defense is without Darrelle Revis — inspired one of those classic Rex Ryan "take full responsibility in blustery fashion" rants. “We got our ass kicked, there’s no two ways, ins or outs about it," Ryan said. “Here’s the recipe for getting your ass kicked — " here, the Daily News said Ryan "listed breakdowns all over the field." “Obviously unacceptable.”

The injury-to-insult add was a big injury to Santonio Holmes, who fell to the ground in the fourth quarter without being hit. An MRI was negative, but the team is still concerned it's a potentially crippling foot injury. (Crippling to the team, not necessarily to Holmes.) The way things were going yesterday, it wasn't just an injury; Holmes fumbled the ball right to a 49ers defender, who scored a touchdown.

It was "only" 17–0 in the fourth quarter when that play happened, so, you know, there were some garbage time points, if that sort of thing makes you feel any better. But everything Mark Sanchez did should make you feel worse. His statline is snuff-film worthy: 13-of-29, 103 yards, one interception. He looked lost and terrified and basically like a rookie quarterback; the 49ers' defense is excellent, but Sanchez looked as bad as he has in his entire career. Here, in his fourth season. Here, right after that big contract extension. Here, after all opportunities and faith.

Oh, and speaking of faith ... man, it's not going to be long now, is it? "Tebow perfect as a passer," headlined ESPN New York. Now, that's 1-for-1, on a play that led to a fumble ... but the way things are going, it's just a matter of time. (After the game, Ryan insisted, "Mark's the answer.") The Jets are now 2-2 — in first place! — and play the Houston Texans, who might be the best team in the NFL right now, on Monday Night Football a week from tonight. The season is bursting into flames in front of us. The whole world will get to watch. Tebow is looming. At this point, why the hell not?